Asset tracking in process control environments

Abstract

An asset tracking system for use in a process control environment may include one or more asset tracking devices and an asset tracking host 41. The asset tracking device may receive signals corresponding to a position or location of an asset to be tracked, and may communicate, using an industrial automation protocol such as wireless HART(RTM), an indication of the position to the asset tracking host. The signals may be GPS signals that are re-radiated into the process control environment. Other information, such as environmental data, may be communicated in conjunction with the position of the asset. The asset tracking host may store and / or display the data or information included in the message, and may send a different message to the asset tracking device. An asset tracking device may be included in a field device 30-36, a network device, or a portable communications device used in the process control environment. By leveraging industrial automation protocol messages to transmit location information across the existing process control network, the need for a second network for asset or personnel tracking is avoided.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to tracking assets in a process control environment, and more particularly to tracking assets by using industrial automation protocols of the process control environment. Background technique [0002] In large manufacturing or industrial plants, tracking physical and / or human assets is critical to efficiency, productivity and safety. Knowing the location of human assets or employees can reduce the time needed to notify employees of emergency situations and respond to hazardous conditions such as accidental chemical spills or severe weather conditions. Knowing the location of physical assets (eg, parts, equipment, equipment, etc.) can enable direct physical location of specific assets, thus increasing the productivity of operators and / or other employees. However, currently known techniques for locating human and / or physical assets suffer from poor location accuracy and costly infrastructure requirements. Further...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, currently known techniques for locating human and / or physical assets suffer from poor location accuracy and costly infrastructure requirements

In addition, harsh industrial environments such as buildings, large amounts of metal, and interference techniques used in industrial workshops prevent some known techniques from

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